Jessica Chastain Confirms She Will Star In X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Actress Sophie Turner was introduced as Jean Grey in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, the third film in the prequel series starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Her strength and power was revealed in the final moments of the film, as all hope was almost lost in the battle against Apocalypse. It was clear to audiences in that one moment that Jean wasn’t going to be a fleeting character, and ever since X-Men: Dark Phoenix was announced, fans have been excited about a more faithful adaptation of the Dark Phoenix saga than 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand.

X-Men movies always have a large cast of characters, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix has just added another big name to the line up. Jessica Chastain, who is known for her roles in The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, The Martian and many more, is set to join the cast.

On her Instagram, Jessica shared a photo of her pinching James McAvoy’s cheek, who stars as Professor Xavier in the franchise. Alongside her photo she wrote, “Hey James McAvoy, you ready for me up in Montreal? I’m gonna make you cry so hard.” This won’t be the first time Jessica and James have worked together. The pair starred together in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, a collection of three films. She also included the hashtag “XMen” on her post, further confirming she isn’t just going up for a flying visit. Filming is currently taking place in the Canadian city.

Jessica’s post comes after rumours that she is set to star as Lilandra in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Lilandra is royalty on her home planet of Aerie, part of the Shi’ar Empire. Her sister Deathbird was the eldest heir to the throne, but after she murdered their father she was denied her birthright and exiled , the throne was given to her brother D’Ken instead. Lilandra served as Grand Admiral of the Imperial Guard, the legion of superhuman champions who enforce Shi’ar law throughout the empire. Lilandra soon realised her brother D’Ken was insane and a threat to their empire, so she went to Professor X for help. It’s unknown how her story will be told in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, but in the comics Lilandra is saved by Phoenix, whose power stops the universe from being annihilated by D’Ken.

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Just getting through life petting one cat a time. My other loves include Deadpool, spice bags, big cups of tea and chip wraps (if you haven't had one, you need to get on that.) I'm also a huge cosplay fan and nothing makes me happier than creating a new costume - can you tell Halloween is my favourite day of the year? Check out my Cosplay 101 posts to find out how YOU can get started in cosplay